This year marks the 16th year anniversary of the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars project as a joint initiation between the state of Texas and NASA. This great program is available to receive nominations for eligible high school juniors. This project is also eligible for those in the home school community as well. I hope that through this article we can let the whole community know about this fantastic learning experience. Getting involved is fast and easy. The student must simply first apply online. Though this is a preliminary step, it is important that the applications get sent in on time before the process closes. Once this happens, the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) will then go through and review those applicants. As they process this information, they will then send legislators a list of students who have applied in the legislators’ respective districts.
The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program gives students a great opportunity to be introduced to a variety of science and math skills. This project is a two-phase learning opportunity for those students who have been nominated and can participate. The first phase is comprised of an engaging online experience where the students will learn a variety of things about space. This wide-ranging program should help the students that participate with building better skills in critical thinking, creativity, productivity, communication, self-direction and accountability. Overall, this competitive experience will be an in-depth and engaging understanding of past, present and even the future of space exploration.
After a student successfully completes the first phase of this project, they will then be eligible to qualify for phase two. The second phase is hosted by the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, and will span over the course of six days during the summer, at no cost to the student. Over the past 16 years of this program’s existence, there have been a number of positive impacts to students. Some of these students have obtained degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This great program can really work to help build a strong educational foundation for those students who are interested in space and space exploration. To date, more than 3,600 students have participated in the program across the state.
To be eligible to participate in this process the student must:
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a Texas resident
• Currently be a high school junior
• Have an interest in science, math, or engineering
• Able to commit to a relationship with Johnson Space Center, including a one-week residential experience during the summer
• Access to the internet and email (home, school or public library)
If you would like to learn more about the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars program, or if you would like to nominate an eligible student, please visit their website Texas High School Aerospace Scholars.
As a reminder, the 84th Texas Legislative session is fast approaching and will be back in session in January of 2015. As always, I want to hear your ideas and suggestions as we get closer the start of next session. These ideas and information are important forms of feedback and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact my office.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
